A study attempted to identify those performance-related factors that were responsible for subjects' errors on one measure of functional literacy. The analysis of errors revealed that the majority of errors could be explained in terms of information processing failures. (MKM)

Details a study indicating that the minimal level of literacy necessary for adults in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is very high. Provides a master list of vocabulary words, symbols, numbers, abbreviations, computational skills, and writing skills needed for functional literacy. (MKM)

Understanding the health literacy of America's adults is important because so many aspects of finding health care and health information, and maintaining health, depend on understanding written information. Many reports have suggested that low health literacy is associated with poor communication between patients and health care providers and with…

This report on what can and should be done to raise the literacy rate in Louisiana recommends that: (1) a state literacy office be established under the office of the governor to coordinate and facilitate the state's literacy programs; (2) a standard operational definition of literacy be established; (3) a Louisiana Literacy Foundation be…

A study was conducted to determine the costs of illiteracy in Canada and to suggest future efforts to combat it. Research was conducted by interviewing 35 persons involved with education in Canada, such as officials of the Ministry of Skills Development, other government officials, statisticians, employment service personnel, representatives of…

The National Child Development Study is a longitudinal survey of all people who were born in the week of March 3-9, 1958 in England, Scotland, and Wales--approximately 17,000 people. A project used information collected from 12,500 of these people through interviews in 1981 when they were 23 years old. The project sought to determine (1) what…

A study researched the existence of established Adult Basic Education (ABE) curricula for incarcerated adult inmate/students in state correctional education programs, specifically the functionally illiterate. All 50 State Departments of Corrections were surveyed by questionnaire; 44 responded. ABE was a basis for curricula according to 37.6% of…

Schools have come under sharp criticism for their apparent ineffectiveness in reading instruction, due to interpretations of recent functional literacy survey results. Several of the major surveys are examined in this document, and in some cases their data are reanalyzed to answer additional questions. The conclusion reached from this examination…

As an initial effort to assess reading in correctional institutions, a questionnaire was sent to some 70 state directors of corrections, both adult and juvenile, by the National Clearinghouse for Offender Literacy Programs which is sponsored by the American Bar Association, the American Correctional Association, and the National Association of…

Currently available measures of functional literacy for adults are reviewed and evaluated. This report concentrates on tests that are referenced to literary skills important to an adequately functioning adult, such as life skills, coping skills, etc. Because functional literacy has frequently been defined in terms of a grade level equivalent or…

The Brazilian Literacy Movement (MOBRAL-El Movimento Brasileno de Alfabetizacion de Adultos) is discussed in terms of its legal and conceptual bases, organization, participants, technical aspects, and effectiveness. Established by law December 15, 1967 to lower the illiteracy rate in Brazil by improving educational opportunities for the…

In order to identify the reading behavior and instructional needs of functionally illiterate adults reading below fourth grade level, 50 adults were identified and diagnosed on the Durrell Analysis of Reading Difficulty test and the Slosson Intelligence Test for Children and Adults. In addition, a questionnaire was administered to Oklahoma City…

Argues that, in the high school classroom, it may appear that much is being learned, but in the minds of pupils there is often considerable confusion as to the meaning of what they have read. Reports on a study that explored the nature of that confusion and discusses what can be done. (RBW)

Although adult basic education has been profoundly influenced by the concept of functional literacy, definition of this concept is clouded by false assumptions. From this critique of the economic approach to literacy emerges a new approach: locating literacy in its social context and relating it to information needs and access. (SK)

Reviews the Farmers' Functional Literacy Programme and various definitions of literacy, and describes a study in four villages of Deoria (India) to investigate the relationship between farmers' literacy status and their adoption of improved agricultural practices. Discusses the indicated trend toward agricultural improvement with rising literacy…